Hello! from the Valley of the Sun

[orchidnewbie2]

Hey all!

I am new to the Orchid world and have many questions so I'll just dive right in here.

I got an Orchid as a gift for Valentines and it finally has dropped all it's blooms and the spikes are drying up. What do I do with it now? Also, the pot has a crack in the side which kind of indicates to me that it may be time to repot it? It is currently in some bark mixture but I have read a bit on here about mix mediums and I think I will try Mike's mix.

I live in Phoenix, AZ and it is extremely dry but my Orchid is currently sitting in my livingroom on top of the entertainment center and my house has north/south exposure so it gets lots of nice filtered light. How do I get it to grow new spikes and what do I do with the old ones?

I will probably have to go out and buy a book on Orchids...any suggestions on which one?

That's it for now...I'm sure I will have many more as I go along. Thank you in advance for any help I get.

Corissa

P.S. The instructions that came with the plant said to use ice cubes every 3 days to water the plant. Is this normal practice? Just curious...does not seem to bother the plant at all.

[hulaorchid]

WELCOME to the forum! Check out the thread on using ice cubes!

[sunshine]

Welcome to the forum

What kind of orchid do you have? That would really help us to guide you in
the care of your plant. A pic or 2 would be nice. We like pictures

I just recently bought some phals at Walmart that had that same tag on it. Looked at the tag and read it threw it in the trash. I have yet to find a substitute for taking a jug full of water, a sprayer or just sticking the plant under the faucet and giving it a drink.

[orchidnewbie2]

Hi Jacqui,
Thanks and I DID go check out the ice cube thread and all I can say is...I am sitting here feeling really stupid but my Orchid seems really happy with this method. I have grown many other types of plants over the years and I thought this really strange but I just followed the directions on the tag and yes, my plant came from Wal Mart. I normally like to water my indoor plants (when I have them) from the bottom up then just discard the excess. I am a big fan of African Violets, Daylillies, and Mini Roses.

I also beleive that this Orchid is a common run of the mill Phal. Still pretty though or was when it had flowers. The leaves are nice and firm and healthy as well as the root system. I just checked them earlier today.

Thanks again!
Corissa

[orchidnewbie2]

Hi Sunshine!

I beleive that my Orchid is a Phal. It came from WalMart and was just a white and lavendar flower. Ordinary but pretty. I don't have any pics of it but could take one or two if you would like. It is just leaves now. Maybe if I took a pic of the roots you could tell me if I should repot it?

I kinda like this posting thing... .laugh.

[patticake]

Great to have you with us! Here's a couple of links you might be interested in. AOS | Phalaenopsis
http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/new...f-orchids.html

[solay]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Looks like everyone has given you good advice already. Hope to see some pics. of your plant in bloom in the future.

I also like daylilies and roses. I'll be looking forward to some pics. of those as well.

[jay]

Hello and welcome to the forum. This link might also be useful for general care on Phalaenopsis. It is much more detailed than the tag.

AOS | Phalaenopsis

Hope this helps.

[hulaorchid]

Can't wait for pictures! watering is a learning process! I still am learning! LOL